Just a month ago, on August 5, Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina left the country amid a mass uprising centred on the anti-quota movement, which later evolved into a one-point demand for the ouster of the country’s longest-serving head of government.
The Awami League, one of the largest and oldest parties in the country, was quickly reduced to a scattered organization after Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, left for India that day.
Leaders and activists of the Awami League attempted to gather in front of Dhanmondi 32, Bangabandhu Bhaban, on August 15, following the change of regime, to mark the death anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. However, they were barred from gathering there, and some who tried were assaulted.
In the wake of the uprising, agitated students and citizens burned down almost every Awami League office across the country, including its central office on Bangabandhu Avenue and the Dhanmondi office of the Awami League president.
This correspondent in Dhaka, where the two central offices of the Awami League are located, observed that they have become deserted. These once bustling places have been abandoned since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime.
Over the past month, the Awami League has failed to issue an official email or message centrally because nearly every central leader and top leaders of its associated bodies are in hiding, fearing arrest on various charges.
Some Awami League leaders have been sending messages to journalists from undisclosed locations, providing updates on various issues, but they have yet to take any public action.
Speaking to this correspondent, a central leader of the Awami League currently residing outside Bangladesh said: “I barely managed to flee from Bangladesh and am now in a safe place. Why should I issue statements or party messages from abroad? My parents and other family members are still in Bangladesh. Is there any guarantee they won’t be harassed because of my statements?”
Recently, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the son of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, shared his thoughts on his verified Facebook and X accounts and gave some media interviews. However, Joy does not hold any top position within the party; he is merely a primary member of the Awami League.
Rumours have circulated on social media in recent days that the Awami League might reshuffle its top leadership to reorganize its activities during this turbulent period. However, when contacted, some central Awami League leaders, speaking on condition of anonymity, told this correspondent that the party is not currently considering such a move. Instead, they are observing the situation in Bangladesh following the assumption of power by the new interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus.
Some party leaders believe that if any changes are needed within the party, the Awami League would follow its constitution, with no chance of bypassing it. For example, if a change were necessary in the position of Party President, which Sheikh Hasina has held since 1981, senior presidium members of the Awami League, such as Engineer Mosharraf Hossain or Matia Chowdhury, could be appointed acting president, and a joint general secretary could be made acting general secretary.
Currently, Sheikh Hasina is facing over 100 cases, most of which are murder charges. Following the fall of her government, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader is also facing several cases, including murder charges.
Referring to the regime of the 1/11 government in 2007, some Awami League leaders, who wished to remain anonymous, said there was an attempt to create divisions within the Awami League leadership during the army-backed government.
“That effort is evident this time as well. Some key leaders, including Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, are abroad, while many are hiding within the country. In this situation, rumours of a leadership change within the Awami League are being spread to confuse party leaders and workers,” a central leader of the Awami League said, requesting anonymity.
Party insiders have indicated that they are closely monitoring the legal cases against central leaders of the Awami League, considering who might be arrested. Once the trend of a filing of cases stabilises, a decision will be made regarding which party leaders will be responsible for carrying out organizational activities.
The Awami League has adopted a cautious approach in conducting political programs on the ground. It is currently observing the activities of the government, the Jamaat-e-Islami, and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
The party is trying to understand the emerging political landscape in the country. Communication and discussions with international partners are ongoing, with efforts to increase the Awami League's support in international circles.
The highest-level leaders of the Awami League who are currently abroad are managing these contacts.
Party insiders have indicated that the top leadership of the Awami League is waiting to announce any programs. They have adopted a strategy of silence and observation, ready to instruct party leaders and activists to take to the streets if the situation becomes favourable.